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China to restrict online video to state-controlled firms

China has decided to restrict the broadcasting of Internet videos -- including those posted on video-sharing Web sites -- to sites run by state-controlled companies and require providers to report questionable content to the government.

It wasn't immediately clear how the new rules would affect YouTube and other providers of video that host Web sites that can be viewed in China but are based in other countries.

The new regulations, which take effect on Jan. 31, were approved by both the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the Ministry of Information Industry and were described on their Web sites on Tuesday.

Under the new policy, Web sites that provide video programming or allow users to upload video must obtain permits from the government and applicants must be either state-owned or state-controlled companies.

The majority of Internet video providers in China are private, according to an explanation of the regulations posted on Chinafilm.com, which is run by the state-run China Film Group.

The policy will ban providers from broadcasting video that involves national secrets, hurts the reputation of China, disrupts social stability or promotes pornography. Providers will be required to delete and report such content.

"Those who provide Internet video services should insist on serving the people, serve socialism ... and abide by the moral code of socialism," the rules say.

The permits are subject to renewal every three years and operators who commit "major" violations may be banned from providing online video programming for five years.

The status of sites such as YouTube, a popular video-sharing site also available in Chinese, remains in question.
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